Corporator and Standing Committee member Sandeep Waghere stated that the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is currently in a difficult financial situation, with a shortage of funds for various development projects in the city. In light of this, he has taken the stance that the PCMC should not provide funding for the Pune Grand Tour cycle race, scheduled to take place in January.
According to Waghere, the main and internal roads in the city are in disrepair, with potholes at many locations. This is causing significant problems for citizens and motorists. The issue of traffic congestion has also increased due to poor roads. Waghere highlighted the contradiction that while a lack of funds for development work is being cited, preparations are underway to spend crores of rupees on a cycle race.
Waghere believes that taxpayers' money should first be used for basic amenities, roads, water, transport, and essential urban development. He feels that providing funds for a sports event while citizens are struggling with bad roads is a misprioritization of taxpayers' money. He also mentioned that citizens faced difficulties due to potholes during Ganesh Chaturthi, emphasizing the importance of repairing roads before upcoming festivals.
Waghere has demanded that the proposed funds for this cycle race be utilized for road repairs and other essential civic amenities. He suggested that if the Pune Grand Tour is a major competition, the state government should bear its financial burden. Waghere also stated that local MLAs should use their political influence to secure funds from the state government, thereby preventing financial strain on the PCMC. He emphasized that providing pothole-free roads is the primary responsibility of the PCMC.
